05/16/2026
You may have noticed flags at half mast this week and wondered why.
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
As the son of an officer, brother in law to two officers, nephew of an officer, cousin to an officer, friends with many officers and former coworkers; Police Officers hold a special place with me.
The willingness to go do a job and be willing to give your life in service of your community is laudable. Actually doing so, is the greatest show of selflessness and love for those around you.
I was 22 years old when I attended my first LODD funeral of a coworker. A few years ago I attended a LODD of an officer that was going through training with another agency about the same time I was, his wife was a coworker of mine.
Numerous officers give the ultimate sacrifice every year; the website ODMP.org compiles information on officers that died in the line of duty if you are interested in reading about the officers from around the country.
As National Police Week comes to a close today, I urge you to thank the next officer you see. Smile at them, wave, humanize the badge.